Robotics and AI startup Kiwi Charge has announced the launch of its autonomous electric vehicle (EV) charging initiative, supported by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), along with industry partners General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive. The project represents a total investment of $1.7 million aimed at developing mobile EV charging solutions that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and electrification to address gaps in existing charging infrastructure.
Funding for the initiative includes a $500,000 grant from the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund, complemented by $1.2 million in contributions from industry collaborators. To mark the launch, Kiwi Charge will showcase the latest iteration of its autonomous charging robot at the Canadian International AutoShow from February 13 to 22, where it will be displayed alongside Project Arrow, Canada’s first zero-emissions concept vehicle created by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA).
The project focuses on creating scalable charging solutions for locations where traditional EV infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy, such as older condominiums and rental properties that require major electrical upgrades. The funding will enable Kiwi Charge to accelerate prototyping and testing of its autonomous charging systems, conduct pilot deployments with real estate owners and automotive dealers, expand its team, and leverage Ontario’s growing AI ecosystem to speed up development.
In urban areas, nearly 30% of EV owners live in multi-unit residential buildings, where installing fixed chargers can be cost-prohibitive. Kiwi Charge aims to overcome this challenge with compact, mobile charging units that use robotic mobility and AI-driven fleet intelligence to deliver on-demand charging without the need for extensive rewiring. These systems are designed to serve multiple vehicles efficiently while reducing strain on the power grid, helping older buildings transition to electrification more quickly and affordably.
For automotive dealerships, the company is also developing a manual mobile charging solution that allows EVs to be charged across busy lots without interrupting daily operations. This approach is intended to improve vehicle turnover, simplify fleet management, and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
Quotes
“This project is about more than just EV charging; it’s about reshaping urban infrastructure by leveraging our strength and expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence. The support we have from OVIN and our industry partners gives us the credibility and platform we need to accelerate the development of our high-impact technology that will enable buildings to leapfrog outdated models and adopt clean, flexible EV charging at scale. It’s an Ontario-made solution for a global problem.”
– Abdel Ali, CEO, Kiwi Charge
“GM Canada’s support of Kiwi Charge reflects our commitment to innovative thinking in sustainable mobility. We strive to leverage our expertise as active participants in the automotive startup ecosystem to help encourage EV adoption and improve the ownership experience.”
– Regan Dixon, Senior Manager, General Motors Canadian Technical Centres
“As the shift towards electric vehicles gains momentum around the world, Ontario continues to pioneer EV adoption and an all-electric future. By empowering homegrown companies to accelerate the journey of next-generation EV charging solutions from concept to market, our province is not only leading the EV revolution, but also bringing made-in-Ontario innovations to global value chains and unleashing their boundless economic potential.”
– Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN
“Ontario is home to some of the most exciting advancements in electric and autonomous technologies, and Kiwi Charge is a standout example of that momentum. By applying robotics, AI, and smart design to one of the biggest barriers in EV adoption, they are building a made-in-Ontario solution with global potential. OVIN is proud to support innovators who are accelerating our transition to cleaner, smarter mobility while strengthening Ontario’s leadership in EV and battery innovation.”
– Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation
